Bahamas Moves To Protect Fly-Fishing Industry

The beautiful blue waters of the Bahamas offer some of the best opportunities for fishing, especially the shallow waters of the Bahamas flats that have been popular with fly-fishers for years.

If you are one of the almost 4 million people who are fly-fishermen, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife data, and you enjoy throwing out the reel and want to head to the islands to see how you do, take note.

The Bahamas have instituted new fly-fishing licensing and fishing requirements.

The new laws, which began on Jan. 9, require that anglers older than 12 must have a personal angler's license. Non-citizens must also pay $15 for a day license, $20 for a weekly license, $30 for a monthly license and $60 for an annual license. Foreign vessels must obtain a sports fishing permit, and every person who is on that boat who intends to fish must have a personal angler’s license as well.

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The new laws come from months of collaboration between The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism with public consultation. The idea is to protect the flats and fisheries in The Bahamas and will also include a Conservation Fund, where 50 percent of the fees will be added to the fund and used to help take care of the land.

"Millions of visitors come to our islands each year to fly fish, be it for bonefishing, deep sea fishing or live bait fishing,” Deputy Director General in the Ministry of Tourism, Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson, said in a statement. “We want to make it so that the industry is more transparent and that our fish stocks and our local guides are protected."

If any angler fails to comply with these new regulations, they are liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment of up to three months. A court may also confiscate any fishing equipment – including vessels – used during the offense.

“Our aim was to make the industry sustainable for those working in the sector and for those enjoying the natural environment and sporting activities of The Bahamas,” said Thompson.

Make sure you become familiar with the entirety of the new laws before you book your trip. If you are interested in fly fishing, licenses are available at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in Nassau and at the Administrators Offices in the Family Islands.

Although they aren’t available as of this printing, efforts are underway to make the licenses accessible online for visiting anglers' convenience.